Mizuno Wave Rider 19 Shoe Review

Two months ago, Mizuno Philippines unveiled their latest upgrade to the Mizuno Wave Rider and Wave Inspire series running shoe and together with other colleagues from the running-blogger community, we were privileged to try-out one for ourselves. I for one, got the new Mizuno Wave Rider 19 (pictured below) to test and review.

This is my first time wearing a stability running shoe from Mizuno so trying out the shoe for a light 1-mile run around BGC during the launch, the first thing I noticed was the shoe's soft yet firm feeling that I think it could merit a mid-distance run without the need for a progressive transition and a lot of breaking-in.

To prove this point, more than two-weeks after that initial 1-mile break-in test, I took the shoe for a 10K interval speed runs to Quezon Memorial Circle, and another 10K tempo run to UP Diliman three-weeks after. Yes there were long gaps in between these training runs but the shoe did not cause any pain whatsoever in my feet and legs. In short, the transition from my good old shoe to the Mizuno Wave Rider 19 wasn't hard and the shoe felt just like I have been accustomed to it already.

Most of us, admit it or not, also uses the same shoes from running to the gym sessions. Although like most of the running shoes, the Mizuno Wave Rider 19 isn't also specifically made as a gym training shoes but because I'm curious of its wave plate technology, I decided to try its stability features during my leg workout sessions where I can better feel this feature at work.

The leg workouts that the shoe's wave plate proved usable with its stability were the single-leg squats and jumping lunges which both requires balanced and stable legs. I had a long break from these leg workouts but I was still able to properly perform and finish the sets. I particularly liked how it helped me stabilize in both of these workouts. The soft cushioning also did not disappoint on every impact of the jumping lunges.

I have also used the Wave Rider 19 on a race during the 2016 Run United Philippine Marathon last October 2. Although I did not actually race it to its full potential, being a Pacer requires us to run a constant pace all throughout the distance. That one is especially hard to maintain so running gears like the shoes must be fully fitted, functional, and one less thing to think about for you to properly focus on the race itself.

During the run, the shoe's overall design and construction did not cause any concern to me. Like what I've mentioned earlier, it seemed that I am already accustomed to using it. In fact, I wasn't able to pre-train my pace with this shoe.

But throughout the duration of our 10K pacer-duty, what I noticed most is that despite the cushioning and thicker heel-to-toe ratio, I don't feel like heel-striking at all. When I'm consciously noticing my foot strike, it only feels like I'm just landing on the mid-foot area. I have actually also experienced this on the trial run during the launch, and during my initial 10K trainings mentioned above and I waited up to this actual race to confirm it.

Towards the finish line with co-Pacers. (Photo by: FlatIronman)

If you've noticed, I've been mentioning about the "wave plate" of the Mizuno Wave Rider 19. That is the patented Wave Technology of Mizuno -- the same technology embedded in almost of the Mizuno running shoes.

The Wave plate technology works as a much better stabilizer and shock-absorber, it dissipates the impact forces evenly as your feet lands on the ground. You can see this wave plate on the heel area to the midsole, and aside from the stability it provides, this also makes the shoe rigid yet smoothly responsive and comfortable.

Mizuno wave plate tester

Despite the cushioning, the shoe is also lightweight at just 9.6 ounces or 272.155 grams. It is actually 5.655 grams heavier than the Saucony Ride 7 cushioning shoe which has no stability plate, but the small difference is outweighed with the performance you can get from the responsive ride and stability from the wave plate.

Seen in profile is the wave plate on the heel to midsole

The thicker 12-mm heel-to-toe drop design, you would think that this shoe encourages a heel strike. In my experience so far, I've been on mid-foot and fore-foot stance all throughout my runs.

But if you are somewhat naturally a heel-striker, the Wave Rider 19 is still a great option for you. If you want to transition from being a heel-striker to mid-foot or fore-foot strike, this shoe may also give you that edge without being too conscious with your foot strikes every time you run. In contrast, over-pronators might need to find other shoes (motion control) since the Wave Rider 19 is on the neutral side.

In blue colorway and breathable mesh upper design.

On the other hand, the upper materials is composed of high-quality breathable mesh that allows air to flow inside. Wearing thick socks won't even feel hot, while when wearing a thin one, you would still feel the air coming through from your shoes to your toes.

Wearing the shoes without socks, it fits snugly, feels soft on the foot, securely grips your heel and arch area in place, while the toe area have just enough room to wiggle. It has no sharp edges and even the logo stitching did not cause any rough protrusions. So far, my feet did not have blistering, rubbing, or frictions of any kind unlike the previous one I'm using which I need to re-break-in everytime so that my callous would form before an actual race.

Two more things that I liked are the construction of the tongue as it stays in place and does not move sideways despite the sprightly movements in the gym. The shoelace is also perfect both in length and softness, it can easily be tighten with just a simple knot and you don't even need to replace it with special shoelaces to keep it in place.

I have only logged more than 50-km running mileage as of writing on my Mizuno Wave Rider 19, but it was an effortless transition, and effortless ride training and running with this shoe.

The staffs of Mizuno Philippines does not recommend taking this shoe to a longer-distance run as it would feel heavier as the distance goes farther. For me though, with the cushioning available plus the assistance of the wave plate, it is an advantage to go further as it would keep your feet comfortable for much longer.

If you're a heavy strider or a high-mileage runner, this shoe is a great option. If you're on the faster side, just better heed on the advice from Mizuno and opt for lightweight racer such as the Mizuno Sayonara 4.